Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

I loved this for so many reasons. For showing a look at what being an undocumented immigrant is like. For showing a safe and loving family for an nonbinary person. For the absolute love that this book filled me with. Hands down, the best book I’ve read this year.

Ander and Santi are just meant to be. Ander is an artist planning on going to art school in Chicago. Currently, they are working on murals across their hometown, San Antonio. When they meet Santi, everything seems to still be for the both of them into a tranquil happiness. And it’s just so romantic!!!

This author speaks on very important issues and does it well. I honestly want more Ander and Santi!

This book is gorgeous. The characters are gorgeous. Chef’s kiss, this was an amazing read!

Out May 2, 2023!

My Dear Henry: A Jekyll and Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!!

I have always been interested in the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story and theme. It always came across as quite brutal to me for many of the reasons the author mentions in the author’s note at the end (which, as always, I recommend reading).

This was different, though, like any retelling should be. It is the late 1800s, and Gabriel is among his fellow black classmates struggling to be taken seriously in a medical school. When he meets Henry, he realizes that there is much more to life than trying to belong. Henry’s father, Dr. Jekyll works to separate Henry from his love for Gabriel. However, should anyone ever be forced to turn away from their true self?

This was beautiful and emotional. An absolute treasure that I will never be able to forget. Definitely recommend this!

Out March 7, 2023!

Content warnings for homophobia, racism, violence, and sexual assault.

A Restless Truth by Freya Marske 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!

I am in love with love. Loved this Sapphic romance and amazing story and the fantasy! I haven’t read the first book but this was very easy to follow, almost like a stand-alone. I completely enjoyed every minute of this book!

The fantasy is unique with an interesting magic system including magicians, forseers, and mediums (even ghosts!).
The story gave me a very Agatha Christie vibe. A whodunit with a cobbled together group of individuals solving the case and following the trail. What I loved most was the Sapphic romance between two of the characters. It was real, a bit smutty, just enough to make this whole story very rounded out and full. I think the romance along with the humor of some characters is what really made this perfect.

Definitely recommend!

Out November 10, 2022!

Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!!

Found family, lgbtqia+ in the 1950’s and a murder mystery! There is not much more that my soul could ask for.

A very popular soap maker dies and her wife wants someone to solve the case, but kinda secretly bc of her and her household’s lgbtq status at that time. In other words, just trying not to draw attention. That’s where the main character comes in. A disgraced cop who was just fired for being found in a compromised position during a police raid at a gay club.

He meets the lgbtqia family of Lavender house and gets a feel for what a real found family is. That he shouldn’t have to hide a part of himself to be accepted and loved. This story touches on homophobia during the 1950’s and can be quite triggering but I think it was done in a good way. I also really enjoyed the murder mystery, especially because it kept me on my toes till the end.

Out October 18, 2022!

Content Warnings for homophobia, violence and death

August Kitko and the Mechas from Space by Alex White 🌟 Arc Review🌟

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!

This was a blast! I mean, the end of humankind… but, wait! We are saved by music and the sweetest guy on earth and an amazing robot (with a sword!!!). This story has everything; Action, drama for days, a beautiful understanding of music and emotional connections, and love. This is a psychedelic masterpiece that has the kind heart and compassion that truly is world-saving. A thrilling and fantastic read!

Out July 12th!

🌟 Arc Review 🌟 The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould

Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for this incredible arc!

Wow! What a great creepy read! This is perfect for fans of spooky and chilling reads that are YA and LGBTQIA+ friendly.   All of these things combined made this one of my favorites while also getting me in the mood for Halloween and October and Fall in general,  lol. Ya’ll it’s so hot where I live, give me some autumn feels!

Logan arrives to Snakebite (a very small town in Oregon) with her dad, Alejo, to meet up with her other dad, Brandon.   However,  so much makes them stand out in this town.  Gay dads with a gay daughter and not only that (yes, this town is totally backwards) but when Brandon arrived 6 months prior to Logan and Alejo, a kid went missing and everyone thinks it’s their fault.  Oh, and I forgot to mention that the dads have their own ghost hunting show called Paraspectors! (So cool). 

Now, meet Ashley Barton.  A popular girl in this small town and also girlfriend to the missing kid, Tristan.   Get ready for a slow burn romance (ο”₯) and some serious ghost hunting once Logan and Ashley start hanging out (to the rest of the town’s dismay).

This book deals with some serious issues like, homophobia, grief, and true loneliness.   Snakebite is a town full of secrets and the Dark is waiting for it’s next victim.  

I love Ashley and Logan so much!! And this book fr gave me CHILLS  and goosebumps! Highly recommend for a scary read.  I need to give trigger warnings for violence, grief and homophobia.

ARC Review 🌟 The Witch King by H. E. Edgmon

Wow! I cannot believe how much I loved this book! It was everything I need in an LGBTQIA+ Young Adult Fantasy right now.

Wyatt is my new favorite person.   A transgender gay boy who is really still trying to find their way in this world and how he fits.  This isn’t helped when his Fae fiance shows up in his backyard in Laredo TX and demands he comes back to Faery to face the future Wyatt believed he had escaped.

I love the friendships in this story, especially with Briar being that comforting source. And the love story blooming throughout this tale.   Wyatt is also not a perfect person,  he makes mistakes and I really loved reading his internal struggles which were often about feeling very awkward which is something I can really relate to.

Overall I thought this was an incredible read, really creative and full of insight.  I definitely recommend this!